Within the last levels of constructing out their 2026 roster, the Los Angeles Rams took trip to within the preseason finale. In excellent Hollywood style, the sport and roster construct was shrouded in thriller, a last-minute plot twist, and a contact of drama.
. Simply hours earlier than the kickoff, the Rams turned the the desk on roster projections byr, within the midst of a heated roster battle, for large receiver Tutu Atwell, a roster lock. The controversy, amongst followers a minimum of, is that and wasn’t provided a contract after the 2025 season.
For the Rams newcomers, this roster was gong to be robust to make, . Normal Supervisor Les Snead has stuffed the coffers with gamers that match into Head coach Sean McVay’s exacting protocols. The Rams teaching workers has put collectively a mentally/bodily robust squad that performs exhausting to the whistle.
Whereas the Charger recreation had a couple of watch-worthy particular person performances, It appeared that the sport had little impact on a roster reset. Actually, it was the few .
Right here’s my last roster reset, a gap 53 projection (gamers in daring), a 17-man apply squad (PS), and particular person snap counts (in parentheses) from the Rams/Chargers recreation.
Quarterback (3)
Matthew Stafford, Ty Simpson (48), Stetson Bennett
No modifications,. Simpson regarded decisive and sharp on the brief throws and it was cool to see Matthew Caldwell (26) get some play time. McVay doesn’t often give his QB#4 camp arms that a lot motion.
Operating again (3)
Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, Ronnie Rivers
All the roster battle debate went out the window earlier than kickoff with the commerce of Jarquez Hunter. The Rams don’t often quit on draft picks, except their simply not a match. I’m going with (38) over Jordan Watwers (36) for a PS berth.
Extensive receiver (6)
Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, Tutu Atwell
Welcome residence, Tutu. “You’ll be able to try anytime you want, however you possibly can by no means go away.”
His addition virtually assures that each CJ Daniels (34) and Brennan Presley (53) are the odd males out. Each are possible destined for the PS. I believed Presley was excellent all through the preseason slate, the most effective of the L.A. receivers. Tyler Scott (42) confirmed flashes over the preseason, however as is in his previous, not close to sufficient to justify a roster spot. Goodbye to Tru Edwards (38) and Alex Bachman (32).
Tight finish (5)
Colby Parkinson, Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, Max Klare (41)
No surprises, most followers would agree that this was at all times going to be the lineup. Mark Redman (24) to the PS for positive and the Rams preliminary financial funding in Dan Villari (20) will get him there as nicely. Rohan Jones (12) solely acquired a handful mop-up offensive reps over three video games.
Offensive line (10)
Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, Warren McClendon, Beaux Limmer, David Quessenberry, Justin Dedich, Keagan Trost, Dylan McMahon
Throwing in Dylan McMahon because the shock tenth offensive lineman, he actually performed solidly within the first two video games and obtained the night time off within the finale. RG Austin Blaske, C Wyatt Bowles, LT AJ Arcuri, and RT Bryce Henderson all performed each snap, 74. Invoice Murray (30) was the fifth starter. Within the first two drives, towards a lot of the Chargers first teamer’s, they’d their palms full, however over a physique of labor, all dealt with themselves fairly nicely. Blake Hance stepped in for Murray.
Robust battle for the PS. As a lot as I appreciated Wyatt Bowles effort and C/G versatility, the mixture of AJ Arcuri, Austin Blaske and Invoice Murray affords the Rams complete versatility insurance coverage.
Particular groups (3)
Ethan Evans, Harrison Meevis, Joe Cardona
No want to fret in regards to the specialists, all three are strong. Once more, double-teaming the gunner’s on punt returns, might actually open issues up. Improve onkick protection? Nicely, followers will imagine it after they see it.
Defensive position (5)
Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Tyler Davis, Ty Hamilton
The defensive inside, as an entire, has not performed nicely in preseason. Invoice Norton (30) has led the way in which, he’s robust to maneuver, however doesn’t get a lot push. Tim Keenan (24) wants loads of seasoning. Larrell Murchison (26) appears to be close to the top. Though Payton Zdroik (27) and Jaxson Moi (27) each regarded to have improved over three video games, neither are able to cope with increased grade competitors.
Edge (5)
Myles Garrett, Byron Younger, Josiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson, Wesley Bailey (2)
The most important recipient of the line of defense’s ho-hum play will likely be Bailey. I believe the Rams will wish to shield him, he strikes me as the one participant on the backside of the roster that might not clear waivers. Darryl Peterson (42) improved incrementally over his three outings and wins a PS function. Latecomers Tomon Fox (45) and Devean Deal (23) have been at all times right here as camp our bodies.
Off-ball linebacker (4)
Nate Landman, Omar Speights, Shaun Dolac, Grant Stuard
One other place the place the top consequence was by no means unsure. Nikhai Hill-Inexperienced (49) obtained in a whole lot of work over three video games and whereas not excellent, confirmed sufficient for a PS berth. Elias Neal (21) is reduce from the identical fabric, a great man to have on the apply squad. Monty Rice (26) was added only for preseason video games.
Security (5)
Kamren Curl, Quentin Lake, Kamren Kinchens, Jaylen McCollough, Nick Anderson (8)
I’m going to stick with Anderson (8) making the 53. He seems to be from the Rams toughness/effort/IQ mildew and performed usually nicely. Nate Valcarcel (42) doesn’t justify a opening roster bid, however is an efficient prospect for the PS. Alex Cook dinner (49) might problem for the PS, however doesn’t have as a lot development potential. Coaches love Tanner Ingle (29) for his hustle and work ethic, however he nonetheless struggles to take good angles.
Cornerback (4)
Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Emmanuel Forbes, Josh Wallace
The Rams obtained Cam Lampkin (36) loads of work each outdoors and within the slot, however I’m unsure his preseason play was sufficient to crack the billet. AZ Hamilton (44) had some flashes and can get improvement work on the apply squad. Didn’t see sufficient consistency from Alex Johnson (17) over three video games, however he might sneak onto the PS. Nyzier Fourqurean (39) is in the identical boat. Steven Gilmore (10) mopped up.
Observe squad (17)
RB Dean Conners
WR Brennan Presley
WR CJ Daniels
TE Mark Redman
TE Dan Villari
OL Austin Blaske
OL Invoice Murray
OL AJ Arcuri
DL Tim Keenan
DL Invoice Norton
E Darryl Peterson
LB Nikhai Hill-Inexperienced
LB Elias Neal
S Nate Valcarcel
CB Cam Lampkin
CB AZ Hamilton
P Jack Bouwmeester (Alternate)
The AD impact and last roster ideas
If the Rams do come to phrases and activate Aaron Donald by Monday, I might guess that edge Wesley Bailey turns into the odd man out. Bailey does strike me because the possible most wanted of the Rams last cuts and will subsequently be snapped up, however 9 of 10 Rams followers would like Donald again in horns over a teenager who nonetheless wants a whole lot of improvement work.
The opening roster could also be in line for a few tweaks earlier than the opener with the 49ers, relying on a couple of outcomes. Followers are nonetheless at the hours of darkness about about doable suspensions to Alaric Jackson and Puka Nacua, whereas the severity of Keagan Belief’s hamstring additionally wants adjudication. And naturally, the Rams Professional Personnel Division will likely be scouring the waiver wire and apply squads, when set, for any doable poach candidates the braintrust favors.
Inform the discussion board about your opening roster ideas!
